Having acne can be heartbreaking, and detrimental to one's self-esteem. Many people with acne suffer from lack of confidence, and reduced quality of life due to their appearance. It is a common misconception that acne is only a teenage disease. It can strike at nearly any age, and affects both men and women.

Blackheads are a common form of acne. Acne occurs when the over production of oil (sebum), from the sebaceous glands, clogs the follicle, which leads to the growth of bacteria. This bacteria will multiply, causing redness and inflammation in the form of blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads should not be squeezed. This can lead to scarring, and also the introduction of bacteria from the hands, leading to more problems.

It is a common myth that blackheads are black because of trapped dirt. A blackhead is considered an open comedone, the dark head on blackheads is the result of the material that has been pushed up to the surface of the skin and it's exposure to air causes it to oxidize and give it the dark color - similar to the way an apple discolors once it's cut.

The area of the face that in some people tends to produce more oil than others is the T-zone - the forehead, nose, and chin. For this reason, people prone to acne, notice that they get more blackheads in that area, particularly their nose.

Acne, as with any disease, is a sign of imbalance in the body internally, so while adopting a regular cleansing routine is part of overall good hygiene, that alone will not clear blackheads. The importance of diet and good nutritional supplements in an integral part of combating acne, and often overlooked.

This regimen can be implemented to assist in clearing and removing blackheads while examining other areas of health and lifestyle - nutrition, proper rest, supplements, and exercise - that are out of balance, causing an environment for acne to breed.

1. Gently and safely open the pores through a facial steam. This can be done by either filling up the sink with hot water or pouring hot water into a bowl or pot, putting your face over it, then covering your head with a towel to keep the steam in. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial that can be added which will help to kill bacteria.

2. After steaming for 5 minutes, use a gentle scrub or mask on the face to exfoliate dead skin cells.

3. After cleansing, be certain to apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to the skin. Steaming dries out the face which could potentially cause more acne if more sebum is produced to moisturize the skin. Moisturizing is a crucial step.

This regimen, followed on a regular basis will help to keep the pores unblocked and reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks of blackheads on the nose and face. In addition, by getting adequate amounts of sleep, shifting to a diet high in nutrient density and eliminating refined foods, drinking enough water, decreasing your stress levels, and incorporating moderate exercise, you will bring your acne under control.